"Steve has a large amount of cricket coming up in the next 12 months and we wanted to find a time for him to freshen up and these last five matches provide a good opportunity to do so," Marsh said in a statement.

"Regardless of the results of the first two matches our plan was always for Steve to take a break and refresh ahead of the ODI Series against South Africa next month.

"This is a great leadership opportunity for David, he has really embraced his role as vice-captain and we are confident he will do a great job in Steve's place."

Australia will also have to do without injured quick bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile for the rest of the tour.

“Nathan had been experiencing a gradual increase in lower back pain which is now preventing him from bowling at match intensity," said team physiotherapist David Beakley.

He will not be replaced in the one-day squad, with cover provided by Victorian pace-bowlers John Hastings and Scott Boland.

Australia's tour of South Africa begins 27 September with a one-day match against Ireland in Benoni after which they play five ODIs against the Proteas.